This is my review of Houlihans on the 192 in May 2007.
I must admit I have been to this restaurant before with one occasion being ok and the other quite poor – so I was not expecting too much.
Firstly I did always like the building! , it’s very modern with a nice big tropical looking bar at the front.
On entering we did have to wait 10 minutes for a table which was not unreasonable given how busy and buzzing the place was.
We were shown to a nice private booth, I prefer this to an open table in the main seating area; much more private.
The waiter was prompt and talkative which I always like for a bit of banter ? .
We both choose the spicy taco soup for starters; then I selected the stuffed chicken with garlic and cheese while my better half chooses the chicken parmesan.
The starter arrived very promptly, and although not a great fan of soup (it’s not proper food if it’s liquid! ) it was rather delicious.
The soup was not really spicy at all but definitely a very flavoursome and original taste; I’d certainly have it again.
Once starters was cleared came the obligatory salad, this I found just satisfactory.
I should also mention whilst not that important the wine (a Chardonnay) was opened correctly, poured correctly and I was shown the cork. Even in some supposedly upmarket restaurants does this simple wine etiquette get overlooked or simply just not done at all.
Things were looking up after a great starters!
Our main courses arrived. Mine looked great and so did the absolutely massive chicken parmesan! . It must have been twice the size of my dish! !
Both tasted good and were properly cooked. Also worthy of note is that the mashed potato with each dish was real! ; often we have had what tastes like packet mash needless to say it tastes pants! ?
I guess these particular types of chicken dishes are hard to get wrong (apart from being under cooked) but the shear size of each dish and suitable presentation did make them very memorable for the price.
My wife couldn’t finish hers (no surprise), but I cleared my plate.
As usual for a US restaurant and large portions once more we had no room for desert (damn! ).
The total bill including wine was US$80. This we felt reflected excellent value and certainly increased my rating of Houlihans after my previous two visits, would we go again? , too right we would!
I must admit I have been to this restaurant before with one occasion being ok and the other quite poor – so I was not expecting too much.
Firstly I did always like the building! , it’s very modern with a nice big tropical looking bar at the front.
On entering we did have to wait 10 minutes for a table which was not unreasonable given how busy and buzzing the place was.
We were shown to a nice private booth, I prefer this to an open table in the main seating area; much more private.
The waiter was prompt and talkative which I always like for a bit of banter ? .
We both choose the spicy taco soup for starters; then I selected the stuffed chicken with garlic and cheese while my better half chooses the chicken parmesan.
The starter arrived very promptly, and although not a great fan of soup (it’s not proper food if it’s liquid! ) it was rather delicious.
The soup was not really spicy at all but definitely a very flavoursome and original taste; I’d certainly have it again.
Once starters was cleared came the obligatory salad, this I found just satisfactory.
I should also mention whilst not that important the wine (a Chardonnay) was opened correctly, poured correctly and I was shown the cork. Even in some supposedly upmarket restaurants does this simple wine etiquette get overlooked or simply just not done at all.
Things were looking up after a great starters!
Our main courses arrived. Mine looked great and so did the absolutely massive chicken parmesan! . It must have been twice the size of my dish! !
Both tasted good and were properly cooked. Also worthy of note is that the mashed potato with each dish was real! ; often we have had what tastes like packet mash needless to say it tastes pants! ?
I guess these particular types of chicken dishes are hard to get wrong (apart from being under cooked) but the shear size of each dish and suitable presentation did make them very memorable for the price.
My wife couldn’t finish hers (no surprise), but I cleared my plate.
As usual for a US restaurant and large portions once more we had no room for desert (damn! ).
The total bill including wine was US$80. This we felt reflected excellent value and certainly increased my rating of Houlihans after my previous two visits, would we go again? , too right we would!